It was the big question asked during Canberra's off-season - who would replace the injured Josh Hodgson?
The English international was set to miss at least the first half of 2018 after tearing his ACL during the World Cup semi-final last year.
Enter Siliva Havili, who grabbed the lime green number nine jersey with both hands, showing nous in attack, clean service from the ruck as well as an increasing ability to play longer minutes.
With Hodgson now back training in non-contact situations, Havili knows his time in the starting side is coming to an end.
"Josh is back training now with us....it is good to have him around," Havili said of Hodgson's return.
"I know he's going to come straight back into the team, so I just need to keep playing some good footy, so I can take a bench role.
"Stick (coach Ricky Stuart) loves having that extra hooker on the bench, so hopefully I can grab that role or play in the forwards as another lock or utility.
"I want to stay here."
Havili is one of nine players off contract at the end of the season, along with playmaker Aidan Sezer, whose primary focus is beating the Gold Coast Titans this Saturday at GIO Stadium.
"Nothing has changed from my end, I'm here to talk about the game, not contracts or deadlines," Sezer said.
For the past few years, the Raiders have been a side capable of blowing opposition teams off the park with their electric outside backs and huge pack.
Sezer believes the gutsy 18-8 win over the North Queensland Cowboys last start in Townsville showed the character of his team.
"I thought the boys turned up with the right attitude and defence won us the game,'' he said.
"Wins like that are good for our confidence and building momentum, especially in defence."
The next month looms as crucial for Canberra, with fixtures against the Titans, Sharks, Dragons and Sea Eagles.
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